"For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16 (NKJV)

Greeting the dawn in my barn, one of my trusted outside cats approached with a “prize”. This hard working fellow does a great job of keeping rodents out of the barn, and always shows me his catch to receive praise. As he got closer I could tell that the object was a flapping bird, actually a very young turkey.

When he dropped the bird at my feet, he was surprised when I shooed him away. While still alive, it was clear that he would die, so I just cuddled him in his death throes. Across the fence I spied the hen which, realizing her chick was dead, returned to the care for the living. And when my loyal barn cat returned later, I gently held him, letting him know that he was still appreciated.

This little event, common on any farm, exemplifies the fragility of life as well as the wonders that God has provided. It also shows simply the importance of living each day like it’s our last. Only God knows when we will be called and being prepared for Him is imperative. Just think of the benefits. By living as He wants and believing in Him we can look forward to Eternal Life. And it’s all because Jesus gave His very life for us. Oh, what a gift.

James Dick writes about God and Nature from his rural North Florida home. Contact